So me and my friend were just arguing over the best AWD system on the market. I thought Quattro, he thinks Xdrive. I also think Nissan's ATTESA-ETS and Honda's SH-AWD deserve honorable mention. What are your opinions and experiences with AWD.

Here's my .02 cents. I agree with quattro being the best AWD system. Audi has had years to fine tune their system. I think that quattro is more of an active system compared to xdrive's passive system. I prefer a mechanical torsen setup (quattro) over any computer controlled viscous differential like in x drive because the torsen reacts faster and more progressively than the computer controlled system. It feels very natural unlike the sudden shifts of torque that the computer thinks you need in an electronic system. Especially in inclement conditions, the xdrive feels very artificial as if DSC is always on correcting my inputs.

I Also feel like a haldex type system like the type found on the speed6 is inferior to any full time AWD system because of the initial understeer it creates, and also because it upsets the balance of the car when huge amounts of torque are suddenly being vectored to the rear. I feel like this type of system is for inclement weather but should never be used in a performance car. That being said, I wish Audi would make their quattro system more rwd bias in all there cars, rather on just the R8.

Subaru's system, although better than the speed 6's by light years, is not close to being the best because it does not vector around enough torque. The system feels very balanced and stable because all wheels always have some power but subaru's understeer because of this. And i'm not saying understeer is really a bad thing because it is very safe, but I feel like cars should handle neutrally. The new Audi S4 is the epitome of AWD at its finest. Well that and the Nissan GTR.

Which system do you mean? I'd take a Torsen-based Audi quattro system over the viscous-coupled differential in most of the Subaru models. The system in the STI, however, is a different story.

2006 Mazdaspeed6 GT
Black Cherry Mica, White/Black Interior, Moonroof, Compass/Auto-Dim Mirror, Satin Aluminum Fuel DoorVist My Garage to see modification list"AWD Driving: This vehicle has not been designed for the purpose of off-road driving or rallies. Do not attempt to drive over uneven or rocky surfaces, or across rivers."

But, Volvo, Audi, Ford, Mazda, Saab and others use a Haldex made system.[/b]

Some Audi cars (the TT comes to mind) use a Haldex-based system. Other Audi models use what Subaru would call a symmetrical setup, but with a Torsen center differential.

2006 Mazdaspeed6 GT
Black Cherry Mica, White/Black Interior, Moonroof, Compass/Auto-Dim Mirror, Satin Aluminum Fuel DoorVist My Garage to see modification list"AWD Driving: This vehicle has not been designed for the purpose of off-road driving or rallies. Do not attempt to drive over uneven or rocky surfaces, or across rivers."

Some Audi cars (the TT comes to mind) use a Haldex-based system. Other Audi models use what Subaru would call a symmetrical setup, but with a Torsen center differential.[/b]

True. The TT and the A3 to my knowledge use the Haldex system. I don't know why these carry the quattro name. That's false advertisement. If you own an Audi lets get together and file a class action lawsuit. But anyway I think Shaniqua was referring to the Audi cars with a Torsen center differential.

And again lol at the username Shaniqua. That crack's me up. You basically hit the nail on the head with everything you said.

I'd say at one time, or rather, for a long time Subaru's Subaru's Symmetrical AWD was best.

Now, there's Acura's SH, Merc's 4Matic, and Audi's Quattro.

I don't know enough to provide a valid opinion, really.

But, Volvo, Audi, Ford, Mazda, Saab and others use a Haldex made system.

Who makes Subaru's, Nissan's, Chrysler's, etc? Are they in-house designs?[/b]

Subaru's and Nissan's systems are in house. Some of Chrysler's are in house (Jeeps come to mind) and some are taken from Mercedes Benz (4 matic). I wish Mazda would have tried to outsource from a fellow JDM company (Nissan and Honda have amazing systems) rather than develop the current AWD system they have. LOL. At least they tried though. That's all that count. But I don't think its debatable that the best AWD systems are rear bias. And dare I say it, but AWD will always be superior to FWD and RWD. Especially a system that is heavily rear bias that handles like a rwd car and doesn't dilute the steering. AWD enables greater traction and also allows higher cornering speeds. The only downside is added weight is drive train power losses but those are marginal.

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